3 Common Indiana Tree Diseases and How to Treat Them

There are various species of trees hardy to Indiana, most of which we enjoy admiring, year-round. From lush pines to fruit bearing trees, there is so much to appreciate every season. Unfortunately, trees can become ill from a plethora of contagions and infections, causing death and decay. Garden and tree enthusiasts work hard to protect and preserve their crops, shrubbery, and orchards, but there are still some common threats that can cause deterioration and corrosion in trees and other plant life.

Continue reading to learn about some common ailments that threaten the lives of trees and vegetation in Indiana, and how to treat them effectively.

Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770
Fungal growth caused by heart rot.

Heart Rot

Heart Rot is a very common infection that can harm trees. It uniquely attacks hardwood trees, which happen to be quite prevalent in Indiana.  Signs of this disease include fungus and mushroom cap growth.  The infection causes deterioration from within, eventually weakening the branches and bark of a hardwood tree.  Treatment is complicated, but still possible.  It requires expert pruning and dead wooding in order to get the tree in a healthy state of growth.  Again, a professional tree care technician is recommended for such diseases.

Chestnut Blight

The American Chestnut Tree faced near extinction in the early 1900’s due to this threatening tree illness.  A simple analogy can help understand the health implications caused by this disease; chestnut blight is to trees as smallpox is to humans.  Chestnut Blight affects the bark and leaves of a tree, causing cankers and orange-brown stains.  It can only be treated with a series of chemical tree injections.  These injections are non-hazardous to the environment but should always be administered by a tree care professional.

Elm Disease

Also happening in the early 1900’s was oversea shipping and trading.  These shipments brought in non-native beetles, commonly referred to as Dutch Beetles.  These insects are common predators of Elm Trees in Indiana and prefer to attack trees that are already infected with a fungal disease.  Some familiar signs of Elm Disease include yellowing of bark and leaves, and death right before Fall.  Typically, tree removal is the only option for Elm Disease, other than prevention.

Get Fishers Indiana Tree Service at the Best Prices Around Town

Call 317-537-9770 for professional Fishers, Indiana tree service at a competitive price. We provide residential and commercial tree service, including tree trimming, tree pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, underbrush removal, and much more. Call 317-537-9770 to request an estimate, today.

Fishers Tree Service Coupons
Fishers Tree Service Coupons 317-537-9770

The Pros and Cons to Burning a Tree Stump

After you take down tree, you’re bound to have a tree stump. Many tree stumps can be incorporated into a property’s lawn as a decorative feature, or even a functional asset, perhaps for bird houses or hammocks. However, many people want to get rid of the tree trunk completely, whether for new construction projects or for aesthetic curb appeal. Although there are many methods to getting rid of a tree stump, from stump grinding to full root stump removal, many homeowners are curious about a method that falls somewhere in between, known as stump burning. But before you grabbed some matches and a lighter, be sure you know what you need to know about burning a tree stump.

Continue reading to learn the basics to stump burning, including a review of the common pros and cons.

Fishers Tree Stump Removal 317-537-9770
Fishers Tree Stump Removal 317-537-9770

Stump Burning Basics

Most people assume stump burning involves lighting a tree stump on fire. In reality, stump burning requires a two-step process involving potassium nitrate or saltpeter, as well as a small controlled fire. Within the two-step process, the stump must also be cut at a certain angle, and several holes must be bored in the center of the trunk. From there, potassium nitrate and hot water are added, and once the substance has fully dissolved within the trunk, a small controlled fire is set on top.

But what about the legalities surrounding stump burning? Are there penalties for burning your tree stump without a particular certification or permit? Or is it perfectly legal to burn a tree stump on your property? Well, Indiana does have active open burning regulations that decrees trash burning against the law, typically forbidding all forms of open burning. However, there are exempt burning activities. One such exemption is agricultural maintenance burning. (IC) 13-17-9-1 and Open Burning Rule 326 IAC 4-1

So, stump burning is legal so long as you’re doing so on your own personal property. But does this mean you should do it? Here are the top pros and cons discussed among homeowners who’ve tried in the past.

✅ Pros

Tree stump burning is legal in Indiana, but always check with your local fire department first before beginning a project on your property. The most admired advantage to getting rid of a tree stump by burning practices is its efficiency and convenience. The materials you need to do so are available at your local home improvement store, or sometimes even in your own garage. For those who are familiar with setting fires and controlling fires, burning a tree stump could be very simple to do. For those who are not familiar with working with fire, it is strongly encouraged to not attempt tree stump burning on your own.

⛔ Cons

One of the most common and talked-about disadvantages to burning a tree stump is the low oxygen burn phenomenon. You see, tree stumps that are deep within the ground typically do not get enough oxygen exposure to support a fire. And even if they do support a fire, that fire is not likely to make any sort of notable difference in removing the tree stump from the lawn. Most often, in low oxygen burn environments, rather than eliminating the tree trunk, a charcoal material is produced in its place, which is usually impossible to get rid of.

Professional Stump Removal and Tree Service in Fishers, Indiana

Call 317-537-9770 for year-round tree care service and stump removal in Fishers, Indiana. We are highly trained and experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at competitive prices. We also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Request a free estimate, today.

Fishers Tree Service Coupons
Fishers Tree Service Coupons 317-537-9770